Editing France (section)

== History ==

The territory of modern France was historically inhabited by Celtic and other peoples before becoming part of the Roman world as Gaul. Roman rule introduced urban development, roads, administrative structures, and Latin influence, which later contributed to the development of the French language and institutions.

After the decline of Roman authority in western Europe, the Franks became the dominant political force in the region. The Frankish kingdoms formed the basis for the later French monarchy. Over time, royal authority expanded from a limited domain around Paris into a larger kingdom with stronger administrative and military structures.

During the medieval and early modern periods, France became one of the major monarchies of Europe. The country was involved in dynastic conflicts, religious wars, colonial expansion, and competition with neighboring powers. Royal centralization increased under successive monarchs, especially during the Bourbon period.

The [[French Revolution]] began in 1789 and transformed the political structure of France. The monarchy was abolished, republican institutions were introduced, and revolutionary political ideas influenced movements across Europe. The following Napoleonic period expanded French power across much of the continent before ending in military defeat and restoration.

During the nineteenth century, France moved through several systems of government, including monarchy, empire, and republic. The Third Republic became the dominant political structure after the Franco-Prussian War and remained in place through the First World War and much of the interwar period.

France was heavily affected by both World Wars. During the First World War, large areas of northern and eastern France became major battlefields. During the Second World War, France was occupied by Germany after the defeat of 1940, while Free French forces and internal resistance movements continued the struggle against occupation.

The modern Fifth Republic was established in 1958. It created a political system with a directly elected president, a prime minister, and a parliament. This structure remained the basis of French government before and after the post-2024 restructuring.